The New Zealand AIDS Foundation says protecting transgender people from discrimination is “not… a controversial idea” and the Foundation has always held that the anti-discrimination provisions of the Human Rights Act protect transgender people. “We're pleased to see that has been confirmed by the Crown Law Office,” said NZAF Executive Director Rachael Le Mesurier. On Tuesday the acting Solicitor-General released her opinion, which held that “there is no reason to suppose that ‘sex discrimination' would be construed narrowly to deprive transgender people of protection under the Human Rights Act.” Labour MP Georgina Beyer has since announced the withdrawal of her Human Rights (Gender Identity) Amendment Bill, which sought for specific inclusion of ‘gender identity' as a ground for non-discrimination in the Human Rights Act, saying the Crown Law opinion gave sufficient clarity to the issue and her bill was no longer needed. Le Mesurier has also welcomed a Human Rights Commission inquiry into the types of discrimination experienced by transgender people, specifically in terms of access to health services, having their gender legally recognised, as well as harassment, intimidation and violence. “This legal opinion will give some certainty to the transgender community that their concerns will be listened to by authorities,” said Le Mesurier. “Our Human Rights Act allows for freedom from discrimination regardless of race, gender of sexual orientation. We believe most New Zealanders will think it fair that transgender people have been included as part of this.” Ref: GayNZ.com (d)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Saturday, 26th August 2006 - 12:00pm